Highly sensitized to the importance of conserving the environment for future generations and striving for sustainable development, Canadian public and private organizations, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, academics, think tanks, scientists, industry associations took action to contribute to the government’s efforts.
The result was depicted in the 2016–2019 Federal Sustainable Development Strategy (FSDS), which links the Canadian sustainability priorities with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its global sustainable development goals (SDGs). The 13 aspirational goals laid out in this strategy are a Canadian reflection of the SDGs, acknowledging the unique responsibilities to achieve low-carbon, environmentally responsible economic growth, maintaining and restoring the ecosystems.
Recently new regulations came to effect to allow for a cleaner economic growth, while reducing pollution and providing a healthy environment for all. With Canada’s oil and gas sector being the country’s largest factor for climate-warming and air pollution, it was a necessary action, with Canadian businesses doing their part to actively support this global shift towards a clean-growth economy.
Toronto is one of the C40 countries, a network of cities around the world fighting climate change and working for a more sustainable world. By facilitating dialogue amongst city officials, cities can tailor their own actions to their unique situations and join forces to access partnership resources, including technical and financial support, at a lower cost and with less resources. The result is more GHG reductions and more impactful and effective measures in fields such as transportation, urban development, business and innovation, waste and water, energy and buildings.
Toronto also shows top activity in the green roof project, leading the way in the 2016 Annual Green Roof Industry Survey! In fact, in 2010, the city passed a first-of-its-kind Green Roof Bylaw in North America that required new commercial, institutional and multi-family residential developments to cover between 20 and 60 per cent of their buildings with vegetation.
So, yes, Canada is both passionate and knowledgeable about sustainable development. And it is obvious that parties from all sectors and layers of business and science are working together to achieve a more sustainable future.
For dedicated sustainability practitioners business professionals who want to sharpen their skills and expertise and contribute to the country’s sustainable development, we provide advanced certified Training Programs in Toronto, October 26-27.
If you too want to make an impact and become a Certified Sustainability Practitioner, while keeping up to date with latest trends and best cases, don’t miss the opportunity to register!
Sources
1/ http://www.fsds-sfdd.ca/index.html#/en
3/ https://www.sustainablebiz.ca/newsletter/green-real-estate-news-september-4-2017/
4/ https://www.sustainablebiz.ca/2017/07/27/green-roof-revolution-taking-root-canada/